Ava Monroe
Gel manicures can be a great way to get long-lasting, chip-free nails with a glossy shine. However, they can also weaken your nail beds during the prep and removal process, leading to brittleness, peeling, and cracking. To ensure your nails stay healthy after a gel manicure, it's important to take some preventative measures and follow a good aftercare routine. This includes not picking or peeling the gel polish, using a quality cuticle oil, and keeping your hands and nails moisturized.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid picking at your gel nails
It is very important to avoid picking at your gel nails. Picking at your gel nails can cause serious damage to your nails. This is because, when you pick at gel nail polish, you are not only removing the polish but also peeling away the top layer of your nail. This weakens the nails, making them more prone to rough textures, white patches, and cracking and breaking.
As tempting as it may be to pick at the bits of old polish that are grown out and peeling away, it is best to avoid doing so. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed professionally. This way, you can ensure that the gel nail polish is removed with minimal damage to your nails.
If you are unable to visit a salon for removal, you can attempt to remove the gel nail polish at home. To do this, you will need to purchase acetone, cotton balls or pads, and aluminium foil. Soak the cotton balls in acetone and apply them to your nails by wrapping small pieces of aluminium foil around your fingertips. After about 15 minutes, the nail polish should come off easily.
In between gel manicures, it is recommended to take a break from nail polish altogether for one to two weeks or longer. This will give your nails a chance to recover and strengthen. During this time, you can use a nail oil or cuticle oil to nourish your nails and keep them healthy.
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Moisturise your nails and cuticles
Gel manicures can be fun, but they can also dehydrate your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile. Therefore, it is important to moisturise your nails and cuticles to keep them healthy.
Use a quality cuticle oil and hand cream to nourish and hydrate your nails and cuticles. Apply the oil not only to your nails but also massage it well into the cuticles. The cuticle is where new, healthy nail growth will start, so it is important to nourish and hydrate this area. You can also use straight-up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth. Apply it three times a day for five days and keep your nails otherwise bare for the best results.
You can also use a hand lotion for all-over moisture and then apply a cuticle oil to the skin around your nails. Look for a fortifying nail and cuticle cream that contains peptides, which hydrate and strengthen nails. Apply a nail moisturiser every day to your nails and the skin around them.
It is also important to keep your nails short while they are recovering from a gel manicure. Round your nails, as this is the strongest shape. Additionally, push back your cuticles instead of cutting them, as your cuticles protect your new nails from growing.
Finally, remember to treat your nails gently and avoid using them as tools. Wear gloves when doing household chores or washing dishes to protect your nails from water and harsh cleaning products.
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Take a break from nail polish
Taking a break from nail polish is an important step in maintaining healthy nails. While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can also weaken your nail beds during the prep and removal processes. Therefore, it is recommended to give your nails a break from all nail polish for at least a few days after removing gel manicures. This allows your nails to recover and promotes healthy growth.
During this break, it is crucial to care for your nails and cuticles. Moisturization is key, so use a quality cuticle oil and hand cream to nourish and hydrate your nails and the surrounding skin. Spend a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle, and avoid washing your hands for 20 minutes after application to allow for proper absorption. You can also try soaking your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily, which is a great DIY nail repair treatment.
Additionally, consider trimming your nails to free them from damage and keep them healthy. If your nails are weak, opt for gentle filing instead of cutting to avoid putting strain on them. Keeping your nails short will also reduce the chances of hitting them against surfaces, which can cause chipping and breakage.
While your nails are polish-free, be mindful of potential causes of nail damage in your daily life. Avoid using your nails as tools, such as scrapers or for prying things open. Always wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your nails from water and chemicals, which can be damaging.
Remember, nail health is not just about appearance; it's about maintaining the overall health of your nails and cuticles. By taking a break from nail polish and following these simple steps, you can help restore and maintain the strength and health of your nails.
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Ensure your manicurist uses sterile tools
It is important to ensure that your manicurist uses sterile tools to prevent any risk of cross-contamination and infection. Warm and wet environments like nail salons can be breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. These pathogens can be transmitted through manicure tools and footbaths if the equipment is not properly sterilised, leading to various ailments, including fungal and staph infections, the flu, and even hepatitis.
To ensure your manicurist uses sterile tools, you can take several precautions. Firstly, check the sterilisation process. Observe if they use liquid disinfectants, as UV sterilisers are ineffective against bacteria. Ensure the disinfectant solution is clear, indicating its potency, and inquire about the use of test strips to confirm its effectiveness.
Additionally, pay attention to the salon's cleanliness. The manicurist should clean and disinfect the manicure area after each client, disposing of items like towels, cotton balls, and disposable nail files. Observe if they sanitise reusable tools by scrubbing, washing, and drying them before disinfection. Also, check if they use autoclave sterilisation pouches, which guarantee the elimination of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. Ask them to open a fresh pouch in front of you to ensure the tools' sterility.
Furthermore, be vigilant about the manicurist's attire and behaviour. A stained uniform or apron may indicate a lack of priority for cleanliness, which could extend to their tools and equipment. Observe if they exhibit a focused and alert demeanour while working, reducing the likelihood of unhygienic practices or accidental cuts during the manicure.
Lastly, be cautious of diluted products. Some salons may dilute nail polish or use cheaper lotions to cut costs, compromising the quality of your manicure and potentially increasing the risk of infection. Always opt for reputable salons that follow proper sterilisation protocols and prioritise your safety and well-being.
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Use gloves when washing dishes or cleaning
Water and chemicals are the enemies of gel nails. When you're washing dishes or cleaning, always wear gloves to protect your nails. This simple habit will help keep your nails looking their best for longer. Poor aftercare can lead to chipping, lifting, or even infections, so it's important to take care of your nails after a gel manicure.
Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy, it's important to be proactive with your manicurist. Ask if their tools are sterilized, and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client. Additionally, never let your manicurist push or cut your cuticles, as this could lead to inflammation and infection.
To remove your gel manicure, it's best to make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed. Only soak your fingertips in acetone, or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrap them in small pieces of aluminum foil around your fingertips. This will ensure that only your nails come into contact with the acetone.
In between gel manicures, try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. This will give your nails a break and allow them to grow stronger and healthier. You can also try a dip powder manicure, which uses a base that goes on like regular polish and powder that you dip your wet nail into, sealed with a gel topcoat.
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Frequently asked questions
Do not pick, peel or use other nails or tools to remove the gel nail polish. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish removed professionally. You can also soak your fingertips in acetone or use acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in aluminium foil to remove the polish.
Use a quality cuticle oil and hand cream regularly to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturised. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily to repair damage and promote healthy nail growth.
Ensure your manicurist uses sterilised tools, and does not use an electric file or push or cut your cuticles, as this can lead to inflammation and infection. You can also apply a gel base coat underneath your gel polish to reduce damage.
Keep your nails short and trim them gently with a nail file to free them from damage. You can also take a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails to grow stronger and healthier.
Watch out for unusual pain, swelling, or redness around your nails. If you notice any of these symptoms, or signs of infection such as pus or serious changes in nail colour and texture, remove the gel and seek medical advice.
